Integrated monitoring and damage assessment system

ABSTRACT

A computer network backbone system that provides integrated monitoring and damage assessment functionality. The system provides equipment and area monitoring functions for the purpose of detecting actual hazards and conditions that can lead to potential hazards. In the case of the detection of an actual hazard such as a fire or a gas leak, the system is capable of automatically triggering remedial measures such as cutting off power, releasing water or CO 2  to combat a fire, shutting off gas valves, etc. In the case of a potential hazard, such as items becoming overheated, or a rising water level, or an abnormal vibration pattern, the system can sound alarms and alert operators to a potentially hazardous condition. The system is configurable to integrate a multitude of sensor devices that monitor and respond to a variety of different conditions into a single computer backbone for processing by a single control unit. A single user interface that can be operated by single operator simplifies the operation of the system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application entitled, “Unmanned Spaces MonitoringSystem” Serial No. 60/238,969 and “Integrated Damage Assessment System”Serial No. 60/238,911, both filed Oct. 10, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is related to a computer network backboneproviding an integrated monitoring and damage assessment system (IMDAS).More particularly, the present invention is an integrated monitoring anddamage assessment system for unmanned or lightly manned spaces employingheavy equipment or machinery such as large power systems, computerfarms, complex plant facilities, and the like.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In the late 1970s the Navy recognized that electrical fires werebecoming a major problem in submarines. Approximately three fires peryear were occurring in the main electrical distribution switchboardsacross the submarine fleet. These fires have a major impact on missionreadiness and could potentially cause loss of life and ship. Inthree-quarters of a second, the current from the smallest shipboardgenerator can cause an arc fault capable of burning a fist-sized hole inthe side of an electrical power switchboard.

[0004] Main shipboard power switchboards, for instance, conductthousands of amps over bare copper bus bar 1-12 inches wide and 0.25-1inch thick. Over a hundred of these switchboards can exist on a singleship. Large circuit breakers control the flow of current to remote loadsand smaller switchboards. An arc fault of several hundred amps can existand not cause a breaker to open since normal loads draw much morecurrent. An arc fault is not a short across the circuit, but rather aresistive load yielding heat; therefore, the breakers do not open.Faulty connections due to corrosion, faulty initial fastening,vibration, etc., cause 60-80% of arc faults. Contamination and foreignobjects can also cause arc faults.

[0005] The foregoing is but one example of a situation where anintegrated monitoring and damage assessment system would be of greatvalue. Other facilities that would greatly benefit from an integratedmonitoring and damage assessment system include large ships and planes,buildings that host computer farms, large hotels and office buildingshaving internal plant facilities, buildings that house largemanufacturing processes, hospitals, and many more.

[0006] What is needed is monitoring and damage assessment system thatcan be implemented with minimum impact on the facilities/equipment beingmonitored yet have maximum flexibility to monitor and respond to avariety of potentially dangerous conditions.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention is a computer network backbone providing anintegrated monitoring and damage assessment system. The system providesequipment and area monitoring functions for the purpose of detectingactual hazards and conditions that can lead to potential hazards. In thecase of the detection of an actual hazard such as a fire or a gas leak,the system is capable of automatically triggering remedial measures suchas cutting off power, releasing water or CO₂ to combat a fire, shuttingoff gas valves, etc. In the case of a potential hazard, such as itemsbecoming overheated, or a rising water level, or an abnormal vibrationpattern, the system can sound alarms and alert operators to apotentially hazardous condition.

[0008] The value of the present invention is its ability to beconfigured to integrate a multitude of sensor devices into a singlecomputer backbone for processing by a single control unit. Heretofore,standalone systems existed to monitor for and react to variousconditions. However, these systems were not integrated with one anotherwhich meant that an operator was needed for each system. Or, a singleoperator might be responsible for several systems that have a completelydifferent look and feel. Moreover, the infrastructure and wiringrequired for several systems can create problems in many instances. Thepresent invention alleviates the above mentioned shortcomings by using asingle computer backbone to integrate a variety of different sensorsthat monitor and respond to a variety of different conditions. A singleuser interface that can be operated by a single operator simplifies theoperation of the system.

[0009] The present invention (IMDAS) can do more than just monitor andinform of actual or potential problems. The IMDAS can be configured totake automatic remedial measures upon detection of certain conditions.Moreover, the IMDAS is equipped to perform system-wide, and in mostcases, sensor-wide built-in-testing.

[0010] The present invention includes at least one sensor interfacemodule (SIM), preferably more, having a plurality of sensor inputs fordetecting the levels of, for example, water, carbon monoxide, light,noise, oxygen, smoke, toxic gases, air temperature, combustibles, andmore. The primary function of a SIM is to multiplex the various sensorsignals it receives onto a common bus for delivery to a control unit.Another SIM function is performing periodic built-in-testing of thesensors. Typically, the SIMs are configured with the normal operatingparameters of the environment that their sensors are in and will onlyreport detected events to the control unit that are out of the ordinary.The control unit can control the SIMs to report all data if desired suchas during a system test or when something out of the ordinary has beendetected.

[0011] Numerous SIMs are daisy chained together throughout protected,confined, compartmentalized, or unmanned areas. SIMs can be grouped intozones. SIM signals are then sent to a control unit (CU) which provides awarning of some type, such as an alarm, flashing light, etc., when afault is detected by any of the sensors. The control unit can also takeremedial action automatically in order to eliminate any operator delaywhich could exacerbate a particular situation. The control unit isnetworked with the SIMs such that each zone is accorded a connection tothe control unit.

[0012] Some sensors are used primarily to determine the condition of thearea where a potential problem exists in order to determine whether itis safe for human entry. For instance, smoke, carbon monoxide, lowoxygen, temperature are factors that could prevent a person fromentering an area. Environmental sensors provide data through the SIM tothe control unit alerting an operator of current conditions in anaffected area.

[0013] The control unit also provides an interface for connecting toexisting safety devices such as sprinklers, valves, or breakers, so thatremedial measures can be immediately commenced. The control unit canalso be connected with an external computer network via an interface sothat data and test results can be logged, alarms can be sent to othercomputers to alert other personnel, or emergency personnel can besummoned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the system according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present invention is a computer network backbone providing anintegrated monitoring and damage assessment system (IMDAS). The IMDASprovides equipment and area monitoring functions for the purpose ofdetecting actual hazards and conditions that can lead to potentialhazards. The IMDAS computer network backbone comprises a control unitthat receives and responds to sensor data, sensor interface module(s)(SIMs) operatively connected with the control unit, and sensor(s)operatively connected with the SIMs wherein the sensor(s) monitor avariety of spaces and equipment for a variety of conditions. The SIMsreceive data from the sensor(s) and multiplex the sensor data onto acommon bus for delivery to the control unit for processing.

[0016] Control unit processing includes the ability to automaticallytake remedial measures to affected areas immediately upon detection ofan abnormal condition. The IMDAS computer network backbone also providesconnections with alarm means that can be operatively coupled with thecontrol unit such that an alarm can be issued if the control unitreceives data from the sensor(s) that indicate an abnormal condition.The alarm means can be audible or visual or any combination of the twoincluding sirens, flashing lights, and screen displays on operatorterminals.

[0017] Built-in-testing functions are included for the individualsensors and the system as a whole in order to ensure that the system isoperational and that the sensors are all on-line and properlyfunctioning.

[0018]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the IMDAS computer networkbackbone which is comprised of various sets of sensors 10 connected witha plurality of sensor interface modules (SIMs) 20. A control unit 30receives sensor data from the SIMs 20 and can provide display andoperator I/O means 40 for operators. In addition, control unit 30 isalso operatively connected with a control means 50 that allows the IMDAScomputer network backbone to be connected with an external computernetwork or directly with plant facility safety devices such assprinklers, circuit breakers, gas valves, smoke alarms, etc. Such aconnection allows the IMDAS computer network backbone to immediatelyrespond to abnormal conditions when appropriate.

[0019] The number of sensors per SIM, the number of SIMs per zone, andthe number of zones per control unit is variable and will depend inlarge part on the complexity of the equipment and area that are to bemonitored. For purposes of illustration only, FIG. 1 shows six sensorsper SIM, four SIMs per zone, and four zones per control unit. Thesenumbers can readily be altered in whole or in part to suit the needs ofa given application. Any such deviation does not depart from the spiritor scope of the present invention.

[0020] The SIMs 20 are connected to each other in a single daisy chainper zone and back to the control unit 30. The primary function of a SIM20 is to multiplex the various sensor signals it receives onto a commonbus for delivery to a control unit 30. Another SIM function isperforming periodic built-in-testing of the sensors. Typically, the SIMs20 are configured with the normal operating parameters of theenvironment that their sensors are in and will only report detectedevents to the control unit 30 that are out of the ordinary. The controlunit 30 can control the SIMs 20 to report all data if desired such asduring a system test or when something out of the ordinary has beendetected by one or more sensors 10.

[0021] All SIMs 20 continuously monitor the sensors for any activitythat would be considered out of the ordinary. Since each SIM has beenconfigured with the expected pattern or range of acceptable sensorreadings, an abnormal event is easily identifiable. Should such anabnormal event be detected, a SIM 20 will report its location and thereporting sensors 10 to the control unit 30 which will immediately takethe appropriate remedial measures as well as trigger the appropriatealarm(s). The affected location (zone/SIM) and the reporting sensor(s)are saved in a file and the location is displayed on the display.

[0022] Each zone has a direct network connection with the control unit30 creating a network structure that is a generic network backbone formonitoring and assessing potential problems related to equipment andareas such as those found on military or commercial ships, hotels,stadiums, manufacturing plants, etc. The control unit 30 also suppliespower to the network of SIMs 20 and sensors 10.

[0023] The generic backbone can be implemented with a variety of specialpurpose sensors 10 to fit the needs of virtually any monitoringsituation. Special purpose sensors 10 include, but are not limited to,sensors that detect air temperature, water levels, carbon monoxidelevels, toxic gas levels, changes in light, changes in noise, oxygenlevels, smoke, and combustible toxins. Each SIM 20 can support aplurality of different sensors 10. Sensor data is multiplexed onto acommon bus and passed from the SIM 20 to the control unit 30 where it isautomatically and continuously processed. Anomalies, errors, faults, orother negative events that are detected can be made known via display/IOmeans 40. Forms of alerts can be visual (screen output, flashing lights)or audible (alarms, verbal warnings). In addition, control unit 30 canbe programmed to respond to certain events automatically in an effort tominimize damage.

[0024] The physical connection from sensor 10 to SIM 20 to control unit30 will depend on the environment of the deployed system. Theconnection(s) can be hard wired, wireless, or a combination of the two.Hard wired connections can vary depending on the anticipated environmentof the system and the number of sensors 10 and SIMs 20 being used.

[0025] One wiring implementation provides for a three twisted shieldedpair cable to be used for the network cable. All sensor data wouldarrive via a sensor bus over a two wire RS-485 interface. Two pairs ofthe cable would supply redundant power to all of the SIMs 20.

[0026] The present invention includes two modes of operation, amonitoring mode and a maintenance mode. Monitoring mode is when thesystem is up and running normally while maintenance mode is reserved forthe running of system-wide and/or sensor-wide built-in-testing. A totalsystem BIT (Built-In-Test) can be performed from the control unit 30upon operator request. Or it can be automatically scheduled. Formaintenance purposes a separate BIT capability exists which allows forthe testing of specific components for a specific zone. Tests areavailable for trip relay continuity, the network power, the SIMs andsensors, as well as any alarms. An hourly BIT of the network power tothe SIMs can be performed before reading the sensor temperatures.Exiting maintenance mode causes a total system BIT before returning tomonitor mode to ensure that software configuration or installationchanges made reflect the hardware present and the operating state ofthat hardware.

[0027] The rest of the description presents several scenarios, types ofequipment, types of areas, or potential hazards that the presentinvention can be configured to monitor for and protect against. Whatfollows is illustrative only and is not intended to be all inclusive.One of ordinary skill in the art can readily extend the conceptsdiscussed herein and apply the present invention to other types ofequipment, areas, or potential hazards.

Arc Fault Detection and Protection

[0028] Arc fault detection is one application for the present invention.As earlier described, arc faults pose a significant and dangerous riskfor large power distribution systems. The ability to detect andextinguish arc faults in a matter of microseconds is critical tominimize the potentially devastating damage they can cause. Arc faultsare detected by a combination of a change in light, a change inpressure, and sometimes from the release of very small particles due toburning insulation

[0029] Photosensors represent one form of sensor used for arc faultdetection. The photosensors detect light emitted by an arc fault andreports to the SIM 20. Amplifiers in the photosensors arc set to producea signal of zero to five volts When a photosensor is directly exposed toambient compartment lighting the combination of selective coatings onthe lens and the gain settings keeps the photosensor signal toapproximately 0.3 volt while an arc will cause the output to saturate atfive (5) volts.

[0030] One type of photosensor contains a narrow-band ultraviolet filterto prevent false triggering of the photosensor from other light sources.LEDs are mounted inside of the hermetically sealed photosensor. Duringbuilt-in-testing (BIT), the light from several infrared LEDs inside ofthe photosensor is bounced off the back surface of the photosensor lensand back in to the detector. The SIM 20 measures the analog value tocheck for proper sensor operation. At least one photosensor must passBIT for proper SIM operation. Each photosensor also contains asolid-state temperature device and its temperature is read by the SIM 20once per hour upon request by the control unit 30.

[0031] Another type of arc fault sensor is the thermal ionizationdetector (TID). A thermal ionization detector detects small particlesreleased into the air from overheated cables or from Glyptal-coated busbar junctions. Overheated insulation can be detected at 200-300° C.,well below the 1083° C. needed to melt copper and cause an arc fault.The detection of an overheated connection results in an alarm and doesnot open breakers. The alarm alerts the operator to quickly reroutepower around the affected switchboard and to inspect the switchboard fora faulty connection or component. Analysis of fire reports has shownthat sixty to eighty percent of all switchboard fires are cause by anoverheated connection. TIDs allow the present invention to predict mostarc faults in time to prevent them from happening.

[0032] Each TID contains two polarized electrodes through which theambient air passes due to convection. Alpha particles are emitted thatcause a current of approximately 20 pA to flow to a collector electrode.This current is then fed into a high gain amplifier. The small particlesgenerated by overheating insulation soak up electrons and upset thebalance of the amplifier. The normal output of the amplifier is seven toten volts. When the particles are present the output sinks toapproximately three volts. During built-in-testing, the SIM 20 polarizesa test electrode. This soaks up electrons much as the emitted particlesdo and creates a similar output. This allows an end-to-end test of theTID. TIDs also contain a solid-state temperature device and theirtemperature is logged once per hour by the control unit 30.

[0033] Arcs create heat as well as light. Once a full power arc iscreated, the air within the switchboard is rapidly heated and theswitchboard vents cannot relieve the pressure wave. A high-speedpressure switch, inside of a pressure sensor, closes if the pressureinside the switchboard exceeds that outside of the switchboard.Solid-state switches inside a pressure transducer housing allow anend-to-end test to be conducted when the central control unit performsthe built-in-testing.

[0034] The photosensors, TIDs, and pressure switches produce low-levelsignals. These low-level signals must be reliably detected andquantified inside of switchboards in the presence of electromagneticinterference (EMI) signals from the large AC loads that are frequentlyswitched. When dealing with the main power system for a ship, forinstance, a prime directive is that no false alarms are acceptable.Signals from photosensors are voltage related, while the signals fromthe pressures sensors are current based. Fifteen-volt logic was chosenas the most noise immune logic. Complimentary voltage signals werechosen for the photosensor to make them ignore common mode noise.Twisted shielded pair cable was used to further reduce noisesusceptibility.

[0035] The logic inside of the control unit takes additional steps toassist in ignoring false signals. Digital filters are incorporated toqualify that signals are neither too short nor too long in duration.Signals from the photosensor and the pressure sensor must exist withinthe proper timing of each other to be considered valid arc signals. Thecontrol unit logic is designed so that no single point failure of thesystem can cause it to erroneously open breakers.

[0036] Breakers that can cut off the flow of current to protectedswitchboards are identified upstream of the protected switchboards.Because many switchboards have common feeds, removing power from oneentails removing power from several. Since the operation of almosteverything on a ship depends on electricity, zones of protection aredefined to allow any switchboard sustaining an arc to be isolated whilea minimum number of other switchboards are affected. When a valid arc isrecognized, the appropriate breakers are tripped. If the breakers aretripped within less than 0.25 second, the damage will be limited tosmoke damage and major repairs will likely not be needed.

[0037] After circuit breakers have been automatically tripped by thepresent invention, the system can take other remedial measures such asdischarging CO₂ into the switchboard to extinguish residual fires oncable insulation. Local and/or remote alarms are set off to informoperators as to the location of the affected power switchboard.Moreover, the control unit 30 can put out an alarm over a networkinterface to inform responsible personnel as to the nature and locationof the problem in order to have repairs performed in the mostexpeditious manner. Knowing the exact location of the problem as soon aspossible greatly assists in bringing the power systems back on-line inthe shortest amount of time.

[0038] If a TID reports a potential arc fault, then the ensuing alarmscan alert an operator that a conditions for an arc may be forming. Thiswould allow the operator to take preventive action prior to theoccurrence of a damaging arc fault. Such action could include re-routingpower around the problem area and having responsible personnel examineand repair the power switchboard.

[0039] With the advent of solid-state power converters, capacitor bankshave received new recognition as a problem area in electrical systems.When capacitors fail due to a short, they tend to violently ejectconductive material. The ejected material can cause arcing across theterminals of the capacitor bank. These arcs can reach thousands of ampsand can quickly destroy the equipment. Typically these capacitor banksare tightly packed and photosensors do not have the wide view they needfor peak functionality. A fiberoptic based arc fault detector that iswell suited for capacitor banks has also been developed and is suitablefor use with the present invention. The small size of the fiber allowsit to be easily routed throughout the capacitor bank to obtain fullcoverage.

Toxic/Flammable Gas Monitoring

[0040] Semiconductor fabrication plants require complex machinery.Additionally, dangerous materials such as toxic gases are used in thefabrication process. These materials are typically stored on-site inseparate rooms. Some of the SIM zones could cover power switchboards forarc faults as previously described. Other SIM zones could cover thefacility rooms that contain bottled gas supplies. A leak of a toxic orflammable gas could occur in a normally unmanned room. The system wouldhave sensors and SIMs in such a room for the express purpose ofmeasuring the levels of those gases in the atmosphere. Upon detection ofan unusual level of gas, the control unit would, inter alia, shut offthe supply valve for the appropriate gas, send an alarm to a remotemonitoring location, turn on ventilation fans, notify an emergencyresponse team as to the type of leak that would allow them to enter theroom with the appropriate breathing equipment, and supply updatednotification(s) as to when the room has been ventilated to a safe levelfor entry.

[0041] If a fire were to break out in a monitored room it would bedetected by sensors that monitor changes in light, temperature, and/orthe smoke. The control unit would turn on fire suppression systems andsend local, remote, and network alarms to the appropriate destinations.Moreover, here are different levels of fire that require differentlevels of automatic response. For instance, if the temperature in aclosed room reaches a certain level and the oxygen content in the roomis low, then the system would alert response personnel not to open adoor to the room, as the sudden entrance of oxygen would create a backdraft that would likely kill the people at the door.

Vibration Monitoring

[0042] There is always a normal background vibration in a room orcompartment. The vibration pattern can be detected by an accelerometerand quantified based upon its frequency and amplitude. The baselinevibration pattern would be stored by a local SIM shortly afterinstallation. If a pump, motor, or other equipment associated with thegeneration of compressed air, vacuum, or water distribution were todevelop problems with bearings, for instance, it would affect thevibration signature of the room. The SIM would detect the change invibration readings provided by the accelerometer and alert the controlunit of a potential problem. The control unit could then furnish local,remote, and network alarms or turn off any equipment depending upon theseverity of the signature deviation.

Water Level Monitoring

[0043] Most large compressors and vacuum pumps are water-cooled. A waterlevel detector on the floor of a room would monitor for possible leaksin the water system. Upon detection of excess water, the control unitcould turn off the water supply and pump to prevent water damage anddamage to the pump due to insufficient water supply.

Explosion Detection

[0044] If there were a sudden explosion in a room it likely would not bedetected by conventional fire alarm systems unless a fire accompaniedit. The present invention can utilize sensors that would detect a flashof light, a sudden change in background noise, and a sudden spike of thebaseline vibration signal. The control unit could shut down allutilities that pass through the room that created the alarms. A systemmessage such as “Explosion due to unknown reasons” could be sent out toappropriate destinations.

Security Monitoring

[0045] For secure areas the present invention could monitor for theopening of doors or the breaking of glass via door switches, changes innoise, and changes in light. This information would be passed to thecontrol unit which could furnish an alert to an appropriate destination.Security measures outside the door that authorize entry into such a roomcould be configured to override the door alarm upon a valid opening ofthe door.

General Applications of the Above

[0046] The facility equipment rooms for a hospital, Internet hostingfirm, or general manufacturing facility would have use for many, if notall, of the above monitoring scenarios. An Internet hosting firm, forinstance, is typically a large windowless building with many securerooms. Each secure room has hundreds of computers that host informationand respond to thousands of requests for information over the Internet.AC power is brought into the building from two different sets of highvoltage power lines so that if one set is disabled, it does not causepower to fail in the second set. In addition, there is generally a localdiesel power generator for emergency backup. In the equipment room thereis a high speed AC switch that can sense the loss of power from one feedand switch to the second feed without loosing power long enough to crashthe computers in the building.

[0047] Arc fault detection is clearly needed to protect the powerswitchboards. If a TID detects a faulty connection, the control unit canroute power to a backup source without interruption and repair theproblem. Otherwise, a switchboard problem can shut down all of theirbackups at once leaving the computers inaccessible to the Internet.

[0048] The computer rooms are unmanned and have use for the generalmonitoring functions described previously. There is a need to monitorfor the usual smoke and fire, but loss of air conditioning could damagethe computers as well and thus ambient room temperature needs to bemonitored. Fire suppression systems for use with electrical equipmenttypically discharge CO₂ not water. Therefore the system needs to knowpeople are out of the room before discharging the gas. Once the fire isout the room must be ventilated before it is safe for people to re-enterthe room.

[0049] The present invention approach is to integrate of all of theaforementioned monitoring scenarios into a single system that canperform detection, alarm, reporting, and response functions that respondto detected events in proportion to the severity and nature of thedetected event. In many cases the present invention can monitor normalbackground conditions and thus learn what comprises a faulty condition.

[0050] In the following claims, any means-plus-function clauses areintended to cover the structures described herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing isillustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed aslimited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications tothe disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended tobe included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention isdefined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to beincluded therein.

What is claimed:
 1. A computer network backbone that provides monitoringand damage assessment functionality in order to detect and respond toabnormal events that may occur to a variety of equipment or devices, oroccur in a variety of spaces including typically unmanned rooms orcompartments, said computer network backbone comprising: a control unithaving processing and communication capabilities, said control unit forreceiving and responding to sensor data; a sensor interface module (SIM)operatively connected with said control unit; and a plurality of sensorsoperatively connected with said SIM wherein said sensors are responsiblefor monitoring for abnormal conditions, wherein said SIM receives sensordata from said sensors and multiplexes said sensor data onto a commonbus for delivery to said control unit for processing.
 2. The computernetwork backbone of claim 1 wherein said processing includes respondingto a detected abnormal condition by taking immediate remedial action toneutralize the abnormal condition or minimize the effect of the abnormalcondition.
 3. The computer network backbone of claim 3 wherein with saidcontrol unit is operatively coupled with alarm means such that an alarmcan be issued if said control unit receives sensor data that indicatesan abnormal condition.
 4. The computer network backbone of claim 3wherein said alarm means is comprised of at least one audible alarm. 5.The computer network backbone of claim 3 wherein said alarm means iscomprised of at least one visual alarm.
 6. The computer network backboneof claim 1 wherein said control unit further comprises an interface forconnecting with external devices such that an alarm can be issued viasaid external devices if said control unit receives sensor data thatindicates an abnormal condition.
 7. The computer network backbone ofclaim 1 wherein said control unit further comprises an interface forconnecting with external devices such that immediate remedial action canbe taken to neutralize an abnormal condition or minimize the effect ofan abnormal condition if said control unit receives sensor data thatindicates an abnormal condition.
 8. The computer network backbone ofclaim 1 wherein said sensors include a photosensor for detecting changesin light.
 9. The computer network backbone of claim 8 wherein saidphotosensor is periodically tested to verify that it is functioningproperly.
 10. The computer network backbone of claim 1 wherein saidsensors include a thermal ionization detector for detecting electronlevels that are altered when small particles are released into air. 11.The computer network backbone of claim 10 wherein said thermalionization detector is periodically tested to verify that it isfunctioning properly.
 12. The computer network backbone of claim 1wherein said sensors include a pressure sensor that detects whether theair pressure within an enclosed area exceeds the pressure outside ofsaid enclosed area.
 13. The computer network backbone of claim 12wherein said pressure sensor is periodically tested to verify that it isfunctioning properly.
 14. The computer network backbone of claim 1wherein said sensors include a smoke detector for detecting smoke in aconfined area.
 15. The computer network backbone of claim 14 whereinsaid smoke detector is periodically tested to verify that it isfunctioning properly.
 16. The computer network backbone of claim 1wherein said sensors include a toxic gas sensor for detecting toxicgases in a confined area.
 17. The computer network backbone of claim 16wherein said toxic gas sensor is periodically tested to verify that itis functioning properly.
 18. The computer network backbone of claim 1wherein said sensors include an accelerometer for detecting vibrationsin a confined area.
 19. The computer network backbone of claim 18wherein said accelerometer is periodically tested to verify that it isfunctioning properly.
 20. A computer network backbone that providesmonitoring and damage assessment functionality in order to detect andrespond to abnormal events that may occur to a variety of equipment ordevices, or occur in a variety of spaces including typically unmannedrooms or compartments, said computer network backbone comprising: acontrol unit having processing and communication capabilities, saidcontrol unit for receiving and responding to sensor data; a plurality ofsensor interface modules (SIMs) that receive sensor data, said SIMsoperatively connected with said control unit; and a plurality of sensorsper SIM operatively connected with said SIM, wherein said sensors areresponsible for monitoring for abnormal conditions, said sensors includea photosensor for detecting changes in light, a thermal ionizationdetector (TID) for detecting electron levels that are altered when smallparticles are released into air, a pressure sensor, a smoke detector, atoxic gas sensor, and an accelerometer, and said SIMs multiplex saidsensor data onto a common bus for delivery to said control unit forprocessing wherein said processing includes responding to a detectedabnormal condition by taking immediate remedial action to neutralize theabnormal condition or minimize the effect of the abnormal condition. 21.A method of providing centralized monitoring and damage assessmentfunctionality in order to detect and respond to abnormal events that mayoccur to a variety of equipment or devices, or occur in a variety ofspaces including typically unmanned rooms or compartments, said methodcomprising: placing a plurality of sensors that are capable of detectinga variety of different conditions about an area to be monitored and onmachinery to be monitored; having a set of said sensors feed into asensor interface module where the sensor data obtained by said sensorsis multiplexed onto a common bus; forwarding said multiplexed sensordata from said sensor interface module to a control unit where saidsensor data is processed by said control unit, said control unit beingoperatively connected with and having the ability to control a varietyof safety devices and mechanisms such that when an abnormal event isdetected remedial action is taken by having said control unit triggerthe appropriate safety device or mechanism to minimize or eliminate theabnormal event.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein further comprisinghaving said control unit issue an alarm when an abnormal event isdetected